Best Table Saws For Small Shops – Buying Guide 2024

If you have a small shop and like to do DIY projects or you’re a contractor, then a table saw is a must for you.

It can be a bit overwhelming to find the best one out there, as there are so many types available and different features integrated into each of them. So, your choice of a table saw depends on what you usually work on and what level you’re at.

In this post, you can find the top 5 selections of the best table saws for small shops available in 2024, as well as reviews for each of them along with a buying guide. 

You can even find an FAQ section here with a lot of information about table saws and essential things you should know before you get your perfect table saw!

Top 5 Table Saws For Small Shops In 2024

Best Overall: DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw

Specs:

• Blade Size: 22 inches long
• Rip Capacity: 32-1/2- inches
• Power Source: Corded electric

The DEWALT DWE7491RS table saw is our winner for sure in this top 5 list. It has a lot of benefits.

First, it’s designed to be easily set up and broken down, which makes it very convenient to use. It has a rolling stand specifically designed for ease of use.

So you can take this table saw on the job, and the table stays stable. The practicality is a big plus for us, and we know it will be for you too.

This table saw comes with a carbide blade, a rolling stand, a miter gauge, a push stick, a rip fence, a blade guard, and two blade wrenches. It even comes with an onboard storage system and a dust collection port.

That means you don’t have to clean up in the middle of your job or clean up after. You have everything you need for your projects, so you don’t need to make or buy extra components.

This model also comes with a 15A high torque motor that can cut treated hardwoods and lumber. There even is a telescoping fence system that allows for fast, smooth, and accurate adjustments.

With this table saw, you can cut any type of large trim materials or shelving, as it has a 32 and a half inch capacity. You can even use it for smaller cuts. 

So it’s pretty much ideal, and even fairly priced. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s definitely not the most expensive one either. We definitely think it’s worth it if you cut a variety of things and need a high cutting capacity.

Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the bevel, and the miter gauge isn’t the best quality either. So it won’t be adapted for finer work.

If you have to carry table saws on your job site, we definitely recommend this portable table saw. It’s stable and allows for smooth and fast adjustments. It comes with all the features you need and more, so you don’t have to worry about adding pieces. 

You can cut both smaller and larger pieces with it, so this table saw is adaptable. However, keep in mind that this portable saw is more adapted for rougher work than for finer work. So if you need to focus on the details, you can find better options out there.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and break down
• Stable
• Essential and extra components included
• Good to cut both smaller and larger pieces

Cons:

• The miter gauge isn’t the best quality
• Not adapted for finer work

Runner Up: Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Table Saw

Specs:

• Blade Size: 10 inches long
• Rip Capacity: 25 inches
• Power Source: Ac/dc

The Bosch power tools 4100-10 table saw is our runner-up.  It’s another great portable saw, so it’s ideal if you’re a contractor. 

There’s a wheeled stand that you can simply roll or carry to whatever site you’re going to. It’s very light and convenient, and you can easily set it up and break it down.

This table saw is powerful. It has a 15A saw, which can cut through both fine and rougher materials. This is great for cross-cutting and rip-cutting.

There’s also a larger work space than usual with this portable table saw. That’s because it has a large cast aluminum top, which can also support material with a 30-inch ripping capacity.

The soft-start circuitry is amazing, so you can manage both the speed and the intensity of the motor. You can really adapt it to the job you’re doing, and it also minimizes the possibility of tripping a circuit breaker. 

There’s also a restart protection, so you don’t accidentally start the machine. The constant response circuitry also helps to maintain the speed under load.

As you can see, this model of table saw is big on protection. It even has a smart guard system with anti-kickback pawls and a riving knife. Also, the guard assembly prevents any blade contact and allows you to see what’s going on clearly.

Protection is vital, and we don’t want you to get injured. That’s one of the big reasons why this is our second favorite table saw on this list.

However, this Bosch model can be hard to adjust to. Let us explain. For one, adjusting the blade for parallel as well as the rip fence can be hard for the first time. The instructions aren’t clear either. So if this is your first time installing a table saw, we wouldn’t recommend this model.

We recommend you get this model if you have experience mounting table saws and don’t mind if it’s a bit hard the first time. It gets easier, and it has a lot of benefits, such as its portability and integrated features that help you keep safe 

Pros:

• Easy to set up and deconstruct
• Lightweight and portable
• Adjustable speed
• Multiple safety features

Cons:

• Hard to mount the first time
• Unclear instructions
• Adjusting the blade for parallel and the rip fence can be hard at first

Alterantive: Rockwell RK7323 BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw

Specs:

• Blade Size: 16.1 x 17.5 x 8.3 inches for the portable tabletop saw
• Rip Capacity: 1 to 1/5 inches
• Power Source: Battery-powered

The Rockwell RK7323 BladeRunner X2 portable tabletop saw is a great alternative to the first two table saws.

It comes with a built-in carry handle, so you can either move it in your small shop or carry it to your job site. It’s very lightweight and compact. It weighs only 17 pounds, yet it cuts like a full-size table saw!

You can simply add this model to a table and build your own tabletop saw wherever you go.

There’s a riving knife system and a guard system, which are ideal for cross, scroll, miter, and rip cuts. This tabletop saw also comes with 5 blades that are suitable for metal, plastic, aluminum, ceramic tile, and cutting top. 

It also has the added advantage that you can use any blade you want from any brand, as long as it’s a 4-inch T-shank blade. So if you don’t like the blades that come with the model, they’re easy to change, and you’re not tied to the brand.

Another feature we like for this tabletop saw is that there’s a safety switch, which prevents accidental starting. There’s even a vacuum port where you can attach a vacuum to store dust and debris as you work.

There are some cons, though. For example, the blades aren’t great, but you can easily replace them, as mentioned previously. Also, the instructions can be hard to read.

We recommend you get this model if you want a saw you can add to a table and if you don’t mind switching the blade.

Pros:

• Easy to carry and add to a table
• Easy to replace the blade

Cons:

• Low-quality blades
• Instructions are unclear

Alterantive: SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw

Specs:

• Blade Size: 10 inches
• Rip Capacity: 52 inches max
• Power Source: 3-horsepower

The SawStop professional cabinet saw is yet another great alternative. 

The cutting angle is 360 degrees and has a 3-horsepower motor.  The table saw is also very sturdy as the fence and rail are made of heavy steel. It’s  very flat, and the gas piston is easily adjustable. There’s even a dust collection blade guard that collects 99% of the dust.

There are also safety extras like a SawStop patented safety system that can stop a spinning blade from coming in contact with your skin. 

Unfortunately, this model isn’t portable, which can be annoying for you if you move around.

So we recommend you get this table if you’re not moving from your small shop.

Pros:

• Great safety
• Dust collection blade
• Sturdy 

Cons:

• Not portable

Alterantive: DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Table Saw for Jobsite

Specs:

• Blade Size: 4 inches
• Rip Capacity: 24.5 inches
• Power Source: corded electric

The DEWALT DWE7485 compact table saw for your job site is our final pick in this list. It’s portable and the smallest item on our list.

You can choose from a variety of cuts, and the rack and fence rails are easy to adjust. It’s also durable. And there’s even an onboard storage!

The size won’t be appropriate for every job and won’t work for woodworkers. Also, it has no added safety features.

Pros:

• Very small and portable
• Durable

Cons:

• No safety features
• Not appropriate for woodworkers

Best Table Saws FAQs

Here is an extensive FAQ section to give you more information on table saws and provide you with all the answers to your potential questions.

What Are The 5 Safety Rules For A Table Saw?

A table saw is a very strong tool. With great power comes great responsibility, as they say. So there are safety rules you have to follow if you don’t want to hurt yourself.

Specifically, there are 5 essential rules you should follow to ensure a smooth process. Of course, there are many more, but you should at least follow these at a minimum.

These 5 essential rules include:

Read The Instructions And Recommendations

When you get a new table saw, the first rule is to read the supplier’s guide with the instructions, precautions, and recommendations.

This might seem obvious and straightforward, but you would be surprised at the number of people who don’t. Getting to know your equipment can help you produce better quality work as well as preventing any injuries. 

So take the time to read the user manual and to get familiar with your table saw before you use it! It will be so worth it.

Use The Necessary Safety Equipment

The next step before you touch your table saw is to use and wear the necessary safety accessories.

This step is sometimes overlooked, but it’s an essential one. It can protect you against accidents, so don’t take a chance and wear protective equipment. Better be safe than sorry! 

This can include an apron, goggles, safety gloves, protective shoes, and more, depending on what project you’re working on. You also sometimes need respiratory protection, as sawdust can be really dangerous for your health if you inhale it. 

Remove anything that could interfere, such as jewelry, long sleeves, and similar items.

Keep The Saw In Good Condition

If you want to be productive and safe, the best way to do so after following the first two steps is to keep the saw in good condition.

Once again, this is pretty straightforward, but not everybody follows this recommendation. This can be dangerous and can decrease the quality of your work.

The table saw has to run smooth and stay aligned. This increases your accuracy and the longevity of the saw. It can also prevent you from multiple injuries if you keep the saw clean, lubricated, aligned, and calibrated. You don’t want to cut your DIY career short (no pun intended).

Keep Your Saw Blades Sharp

The next safety rule is kind of aligned with the previous one. To avoid any accidents and to make sure that your work quality is great, your tools have to be the best quality as well. 

In this case, you have to keep your saw blades sharp. There’s nothing worse than a dull tool. Not only will it not cut through material properly, but you can really hurt yourself with it.

To avoid that and achieve great results, keep your saw blades sharp. It’s also good to invest in good equipment, as poor equipment won’t give you good results.

It’s good to inform yourself about what kind of saw blades you need for the specific job you’re working on and when you need to change them.

Keep The Working Area Clean And Organized

Last but certainly not the least, this safety rule is essential. You have to keep your working area clean and organized, no matter how big or small it is.

It’s really important that you remove dust and debris as soon as possible, so it doesn’t build up. Not only can it be dangerous to your health, but it’s also not nice to work in a dirty and messy environment. You should also clean up all the pieces of wood you cut whenever you can.

Ideally, to remove the dust and the debris as soon as possible, you should set up a dust collection system. This way, you can keep the space clean while you’re working. You just have to flip a switch.

 If you can’t do that, a broom and a dustpan are fine, but it will be more annoying to clean up everything after you’re done working or are in the middle of a project.

There are other safety rules out there, but it’s great if you already follow these 5 rules above. This way, you can be sure you produce quality work, and you won’t injure yourself. To find out about extra safety procedures, keep on reading the next sections.

What Are The Most Important Features Of Any Table Saw?

Obviously, there are features that come with almost any type of table saw. These include the table, the saw, the blade plate, the blade cover, the rip fence, the stand, the miter gauge, the bevel angle gauge, and the blade height adjustment.

Then, you have additional features that can be equally important such as an on and off switch, table inserts, table extensions, dust collection, storage and elevation, and tilt wheels. You don’t need these, but they can make your life so much easier, so we recommend all of them!

You should get the basic features that you’re going to use regularly. The essential ones are most probably the saw blend, the miter gauge, and the rip fence.

You also need safety features, such as anti-kickback claws, which you can find out about in the next section. Most of them are already included in table saws, which is great.

What Safety Procedures Should You Follow When Using A Table Saw?

You should follow the 5 safety rules we mentioned above, as well as the extra precautions listed below. 

These can help you be safer in your small shop, make you more efficient and improve the overall quality of your DIY projects.

Use Push Sticks

Push sticks keep your fingers away from the saw blades. So they can prevent major accidents. A moment of inattention, no matter how small, can be really damaging. You don’t want to cut your fingers or your wrists, and push sticks ensure that you don’t.

You can either make them yourself or buy them. They’re pretty cheap, and they’re really worth it in terms of safety!

Use A Featherboard

We advise you to use a featherboard if you want to reduce the probability of a kickback and get a more accurate cut.

A feather board can help hold the stock pressed firmly against the surface of the table and the fence. This way, you have less of a burn, and there’s a lower chance of a kickback.

So it’s safer to use a feather board, even if it doesn’t protect you completely, than not to use one.

Get Zero Clearance Inserts

Another safety procedure you can follow is to get zero clearance inserts. They can reduce splintering in cuts as well as prevent slender cuts from getting stuck in the blade and flying near your head.

Plus, zero clearance inserts can help you make a cleaner cut. Usually, they are already inserted in your table saw, but some people like to purchase more, make their own, or replace the ones they have. 

Use The Safety Tools That Come With Your Table Saw

This is in the same line as the previous safety tip. You should use the safety equipment that comes with your table saw.

These are there for a reason and help you keep safer while you work on a project. Ideally, use the equipment that comes with the table instead of making your own or purchasing new equipment.

Keep Informed

This might be the most important safety procedure when using a table saw. Keeping informed about new safety rules and advice is essential to keep you safe while you work on a project.

What Determines The Size Of A Table Saw?

Usually, the size of a table saw is determined by the distance from the saw blade to the throat. It’s as simple as that!

Common sizes include 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 inches.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you can find the right table saw for you! Now, you know what to look out for, how to get the best possible results, and how to be safe.